Disease progression in a patient with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The prevalence and clinical significance of NAFLD/NASH have been increasingly recognized in Western countries but much less known in Asian countries, including Taiwan. Here, we report the case of a 43-year-old man who had abnormal liver tests for 18 years. Retrospective evaluation of his initial clinical, laboratory and histologic findings indicated that the hepatic disorder was compatible with the diagnosis of NASH. Although his liver biochemical tests improved after taking lipid-lowering agents, a liver biopsy 17 years later demonstrated histologic progression of intralobular necroinflammation and perivenular fibrosis. These facts suggest that NASH, albeit mild and slowly progressive, indeed exists in Taiwan. After the control of chronic hepatitis B and C and westernization of the lifestyle in Taiwan, an increasing burden of NAFLD/NASH is anticipated and active prophylactic measures should be implemented.
Tseng
Ping-Huei
PH
Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Liu
Chun-Jen
CJ
Kao
Jia-Horng
JH
Shun
Chia-Tung
CT
Chen
Pei-Jer
PJ
Chen
Ding-Shinn
DS
D000328:Adult; D018450:Disease Progression; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male